of nelson mandela. nelson mandela, dead at the age of 95. >> doreen gentzler is covering this story for us. doreen? >> jim and pat, we are learning this news in the last 15 minutes or so. this story is still developing, the reaction to it and everything. of course, there is quite a few people in washington, long time friends and supporters of nelson mandela's. as we told you, the current south african president announced mandela died at the age of 95. we have a look at the life and legacy of the leader. >> reporter: nelson mandela was the face of reconciliation and a new beginning for south africa. brian is the human rights attorney in south africa part of

the movement prior to his release from prison in 1991. reflected on the role he played once he was released. it was a time celebrated around the world. inside south africa, it was a precarious time. >> immediate contribution was to reach out and speak about reconciliation. >> i cherish the idea of south africa where all south africans are equal. >> far right wing politicians are prodding them. mandela convinced the supporters it would render africa a wasteland. >> being able to reach out to people and somehow connect humanity with theirs. and disarm, largely, his political opponents. >> while there was post apar tide violence, mandela was the

right man at the right time. now with the face of the movement gone, there is an eye toward a future rooted in mandela's past. a future in the hands of young people like these college students in washington for the south africa international program. most of these intns are too young to remember, but know more of mandela's role in the down fall. >> on the whole, it was peaceful. we did not descend into civil war. it was important. >> now that he has gone, i think we have had the opportunity to learn from him and as the future goes on, will have the opportunity to apply his leadership styles and character and so on in our own leadership in the future. >> he touched all people in south africa. some of the acts he did, visiting the wife -- things like that that he really showed such humanity. >> this wonderful idea of human values. we might have different cull

tris, different races and languages, but key things we value. >> values that continue to resinate. derrick ward, news 4. once again, just announced a short time ago, former south african president nelson mandela died at the age of 95. we are getting just now a statement from president -- fosint george w. bush laura and i join the people in south africa and the world in celebrating the life of nelson mandela. he was a force of freedom and equality. he bore burdens with dignity and grace. this man will be missed, but contributions live on forever. we send our heart felt sympathy to the family. the first of what i think we all

know will be many, many tributes to nelson mandela in the days and weeks to come. not a real surprise that he has passed away. today, he's been in failing health for several years now. but quite a blow to the millions of people in the world who have admired his leadership and strength for so many generations. we will, of course, have continuing coverage on the death of nelson mandela on www.nbcwashington.com and also nigh on news 4 at 5:00 and 6:00. we hope you'll stay tuned. for now, back to you in the studio. jim and pat? >> thanks so much. we want to shift back to the live pictures outside mandela's home. the media has been there all day. crowds are gatt ering, too. the deep love and debt they owe him. got out of prison in 1990, came out with the second of his three

wives. from 1994 to 1999, he served as their president, the father of democracy won the nobel peace prize as well. a revered icon who, after 27 years in prison led his country to democracy and became the first black president. nelson mandela dead at the age of 95. president jacob zuma, the current south african president saying he is now resting and at peace. the nation lost the greatest son, our people have lost their father. >> again, we are waiting to hear from president obama on the passing of nelson mandela. our coverage continues throughout the evening and again on www.nbcwashington.com. new at 5:00, tonight, we are hearing from one of the world's richest women who caused a deadly crash in northern virginia. >> 74-year-old jacqueline mars, co-owner of mars candy company pleaded guilty to reckless driving. julie carey reports it was the

victim's relatives who spared mars from going to prison. >> reporter: these photos show the horrifying aftermath of what prosecutors say was a tragic accident on the afternoon of october 4th. a porsche suv crossed the center line of route 50 and struck a van carrying a family from texas who had come for a wedding. a van passenger, 86-year-old was killed instantly and the van's driver who was eight months pregnant lost her baby. today, inside a courtroom, that family asked for mercy for jacqueline mars. >> what we saw here today was the great moment in human forgiveness and compassion. >>reporter: news 4 reported mars told a rescuer she had fallen asleep at the wheel. she was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol or distracted by a phone. one of the victims in the

accident and the grandmother of the unborn child who died declined comment. her words to the court were powerful. she asked the judge not to sentence mars to jail explaining we only have forgiveness in our hearts for her. we hope she can find peace. >> she pled guilty to the reckless driving charge telling the judge, i know i can't go back in time and change what happened. it's important for this court and the families to know that i will always live with the grief and loss caused by this tragedy. mars attorney reminded the judge of her many contributions to the community. prosecutors say it was the evidence and the victim's pleas that resulted in no jail time. >> from the beginning they have only wanted the truth and forgiveness. they don't see any good coming out of their having vengeance in their heart or her doing jail time. >> reporter: the judge gave her a $2500 fine and suspended her

license for six months. she was told she could apply for a restricted license. julie carey, news 4. now to a developing story in the district tonight. we have new information about the investigation into two d.c. police officers suspected of having inappropriate conduct with young girls. news 4 has now learned a third officer is now being questioned in connection to one of these investigations. news 4s mark segraves joins us live from u.s. district court where one officer just appeared before a federal judge. mark? >> reporter: that's right. there was a bombshell dropped i. prosecutors told the judge that officer mark washington, who is already being charged for taking naked pictures of a 15-year-old girl over the weekend while on duty had hundreds of pictures of women, many of them crime victims, some of them underage girls who were naked con vinlsing prosecutors there are more victims out there.

according to prosecutors, officer mark washington's camera contained hundreds of pictures of women, some of them victims of domestic violence, others, young girls with no clothes. they date back to 2011. washington has not entered a plea. multiple law enforcement souses tell news 4 another d.c. police officer is being questioned and placed on desk duty pending the outcome. at issue, whether the officer alerted washington he was about to be arrested. last night, the home of a third officer, assigned to the seventh district was searched by police. an underage girl told police she was given marijuana to the officer at his home in southwest d.c. he has not been charged with a crime. he has been placed on desk duty pending the investigation. he declined to speak with news 4 earlier today.

i'm mark segraves with channel 4. can we talk to you about what happened last night? no? now, prosecutors here today say they are working on a plea deal with officer mark washington. fbi agents will be searching his car, his phone and his police locker. meanwhile, law enforcement sources tell us there could be a link between the washington case and the search of barnhill's home. reporting live from u.s. district court, mark segraves, news 4. cathy lanier put out this statement saying the department is concerned about the recent allegations of agregregious conduct. they conduct audits and investigation of conduct on duty and off duty. the misguided actions of a few, in no way reflect the professionalism and integrity of

the department. we continue to follow breang news this hour on the death of former south african president, nelson mandela. president obama is set to make a statement in a few minutes about the death of mandela that happened this afternoon, not unexpected. he had been sick for a lengthy period of time. we know family and friends gathered at his bedside earlier today anticipating he might pass and he has the word confirmed by current south african president jacob zuma. >> the president and his family were in africa in june. nelson mandela was too ill to receive them. they were able to visit the jail cell where he spent so many years and made his cause for the nation and the world. nelson mandel, dead at the age of 95. crowds are gathering outside his

home in johannesburg. we have been showing you these live pictures here with the south african flag. 1990 he came out of prison. made discrimination against white minorities against the law there. won the nobel peace prize and truly was known as the father of democracy in modern south africa. again, president obama is set to make remarks from the white house at 5:20. we will bring it to you as soon as it happens. our coverage continues right after this.

continuing to follow breaking news. the death of nelson mandela. here again, a live picture of the white house briefing room where president obama is set to make a statement. we'll bring it to you as soon as the president speaks. earlier this afternoon, the announcement came from jacob zuma. he announced the crusaders death at a somber press conference. fellow south africans, nelson mandela brought us together and

together we will bid him farewell. he was suffering from lung problems since he contracted tuberculosis on robin island. recent months, he's been in and out of the hospital. his family wished he had been home and, in fact, that is where he spent his last dais. >> again, we are awaiting comments from the white house and president obama. we will bring you the president's comments, his statement as soon as he makes them. meanwhile, big changes coming in the forecast. >> here is veronica with a check of what we have coming our way this weekend. veronica? >> the last couple weeks, the temperatures have been up and down, seesawing. the air is going to stay cold. don't expect the 60s. the other thing i have been tracking is the sizable storm system. it's producing a lot of ice in the midsection. could be one of the worst ice storms. for us, we are going to get rain

first. look at storm team 4 radar. light showers making their way into western maryland right now around frostburg and areas north of petersburg and morgantown. we are going to see that rain in the later hours. we are at 63 right now. it's quite mild out there as it has been all day. it's going to stay mild as we get into the evening. a few passing showers for 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 p.m. a better chance of rain comes after 3:00 a.m. it's from the large weather system from areas of the northeast down to the south around texas. there's the weather front. watch the rains move in and through. here we are at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. it's going to be fairly wet. showers in many neighborhoods. more moderate and heavy rain moves in for the evening rush around 5:00, 6:00, 7:00 p.m., probably staying with us until

midnight. it's in the evening hours when the weather is going to be worse. the temperatures will start dropping. that gives us the set up for the weekend. the first half is going to be very cold, feeling a lot like winter. find the winter coats, the gloves, the scarves. you are going to need them sunday. the weather system moves in, we could be looking at accumulating snowfall as early as 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on sunday. it sticks with us for awhile. again, cold on saturday. temperatures are going to be compromised and could lay down light amounts of snow. as temperatures warm, changing to freezing rain and sleet around the area. for tomorrow, 50 to 60 degrees will come early in the day. temperatures start falling off. the big story, what happens this weekend on sunday. it's snow, icy, we are very cold at 34 degrees. that could be a set up for a nasty monday morning rush, too.

back to you guys. >> thanks, veronica. again, a picture of the briefing room at the white house. president obama is going to be speaking, making a statement in just a few moments about the passing this afternoon of former south african president, nelson mandela. >> this afternoon, the announcement came from jacob zuma. he said to his fellow south african s that he would receive a state funeral and the flags lowered friday and remain at half staff until his funeral. president obama was in south africa in june with the first family, his daughters and wife, taking, really, a history lesson for his daughters. touring the jail cell where he spent so many years as a political prisoner. did not get a chance to meet with nelson mandela because he is too ill. he's been receiving treatment at home, which is what the family wanted to see.

you can see him there with winnie mandela. again, he came out of prison back in 1990, known as the father of democracy in modern south africa. >> we are getting reaction from capitol hill now. democratic leader of the house, nancy pelosi just released this statement about the passing of nelson mandela. with the passing of mandela, the world lost a leader who advanced the cause of equality and human rights and overcame a history of oppression in south africa to expand the reach of freedom worldwide. those words from minority leader, nancy pelosi on capitol hill. >> he was south africa's iconic leader, former president whose lifelong struggle helped break the country's system of racial discrimination. again, nelson mandela died at the age of 95. it was a long battle. he had been suffering with lung

issues for quite some time. in and out of the hospital for most of the year. since september, at home. that's where crowds, again, are gathering right now, his family was at his bedside, many of them were, we understand. nelson mandela is considered a giant of the 20th century. his was a career marked by resis tense to racism and apar tide. hard labor spent in a lime quarry. he came out of prison gentle. he became south africa's first black president. he won the nobel peace prize for leadership in ending without violence. he later became a global statesman who inspired, literally millions of people around the world. indeed, the world is mourning the passing of nelson mandela. >> it's hard to believe when so

many people are in the sunset of their lives. 71 is when he walked out of prison. a full head of gray hair looking skyward with so much hope for himself and indeed his nation. we learned that nbc "nightly news" will be having a one-hour edition this evening looking back on the life of nelson mandela, a full hour. again, remembering the legacy of nelson mandela who died at the age of 95. we are waiting for remarks and reaction from president obama to the sad news today. >> we are going to show you a picture of nelson mandela's statue here in washington, d.c. this is a live picture of the statue that stands here in the nation's capitol, a place he visited and had close ties with. the mandela family, the former

president, nelson mandela met with our president and you mentioned the first lady and president obama when they went to south africa this year but remember a couple years ago -- >> now, let's hear from the president. greetings from new york and as the worldcoms to grips with the news a few minutes ago, really, that nelson mandela died at the age of 95. our cameras are awaiting the arrival of president obama inside the white house briefing room in the west wing. this is obviously the stuff of a special association, a special relationship, more than what nelson mandela enjoyed with a string of american presidents, not only, of course, had president obama before he was president met nelson mandela, michelle obama, the first lady and both daughters spent time with him in south africa at his

home, of course, this towering moral authority, a man who had visitors from all over the world, especially in his later years when his health started to fail and they had to go to him. world reaction, of course, is just now starting as the news broke so late local time in south africa. the white house quickly reacting to this news, the confirmation from south africa, president zuma having announced it on live television. let's look in on the white house briefing room where we are expecting the president. chuck todd is there. chuck, we have had occasions where we thought the news was coming. sadly, there's no turning it away. >> you'll remember when we traveled with the president to south africa about six months ago, at that time, there s lot of concern about nelson mandela's health then.

it very much dominated the conversation that president obama had with south africans when he was there and spent a lot of time reflecting on nelson mandela's leadership then, calling him the george washington of south africa. i wouldn't be surprised if he will say things like that remarking upon his leadership, not just the personal connects but what he means to democracy when democracy and freedom finally are spread around the world. >> chuck todd, who now will be able to take his seat in the front row of the briefing room. the president is due to come in any moment just behind chuck and address the nation on the loss of nelson mandela. >> he closed his statement from the dock saying i have fought against white domination and i

have fought against black domination. i have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. it is an ideal, which i hope to live for and achieve. but, if needs be, it is an ideal for which i am prepared to dichlt nelson mandela lived for that adeal and made it real. he achieved more of what could be expected than any man. today, he has gone home. we lost one of the most influential, courageous and goodhue man beings many of us will share time with on this earth. he no longer belongs to us, he belongs to the ages. through his dignity and unbending will to sacrifice his own freedom for the freedom of

others, he transformed south africa and moved all of us. his journey from a prison to a president imbodied the promise human beings and countries can change for the better. his commitment to transfer power and reconcile with those who jailed him set an example that all humanity should aspire to, whether in the lives of nations or our own personal lives. the fact that he did it all with grace and humor only makes him that much more remarkable. as he once said, i'm not a saint unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying. i'm one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from his life. my very first political action,

the first thing i ever did that involved an issue or policy or politics was protest against a par tide. i would study his words and writings. the day he was released from prison gave me a sense of what human beings can do when guided by hopes, not fears. like many around the globe, i cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that nelson mandela set. so long as i live, i will do what i can to learn from him. to michelle and his family, michelle and i extend our deepest sympathy and gratitude for sharing this extraordinary man with us. his life's work meant long days away from those who loved him most. i only hope that the time spent with him these last few weeks

brought peace and comfort to his family. to the people of south africa, we draw strength from the example of renewal and reconciliation and resilience that you made real. a free south africa at peace with itself. that's an example to the world. that's his legacy to the nation he loved. we will not likely see the likes of nelson mandela again. so, it falls to us, as best we can, to forward the example he set. to make decisions guided not by hate, but love. never discount the difference that one person can make. to strive for a future that is worthy of his sacrifice. for now, let us pause and give thanks for the fact that nelson mandela lived, a man who took

history in his hands and bent the arc of the universe toward justice. may god bless his memory and keep him in peace. >> an emotional president obama. you heard him refer to his friend as his african clan name that many south africans referred to him by. the president reacting officially with the news within the past hour. nelson mandela gone at the age of 95. we wanted to remind you, a special edition of nbc "nightly news" will look back on the life and times of this great world leader, a great leader for our times, nelson mandela. for our team in washington, i'm brian williams, nbc news, new york. >> there we heard the personal reflections from the president today. how much he meant, not only to

the president in his younger years, but also to our nation, south africa and, in fact, the world. he called him an example all humanity should aspire to. he drew inspiration, studied the words and writings and protested himself. >> he called him an influential, one of the most influential, courageous that in of us will spend time with on the earth. the president said nelson mandela took history in his hands and bent the arc toward justice. we will not see the likes of nelson mandela again. shomari stone is live outside the south african embassy where the statue of nelson mandela stands in north washington. shomari? >> reporter: good evening. a lot of drivers are slowing down as they glance at the statue behind me. the media is lined up along the sidewalk here.

many folks snapping photos, tweeting, posts on facebook and instagram to pay tribute to nelson mandela. ers the statue. it's ten feet tall of nelson mandela, his fist raised in a power salute. ift was raised two months ago. this is where activists in the 1980s staged sit-ins and protests that helped the u.s. -- the founder of transafrica, mary francis berry former d.c. delegate reverend walter and eleanor holmes norton were at the unveiling. i called her office moments ago. she was unable to give a comment. she was heavy involved in supporting nelson mandela. they staged their protest before thanksgiving in 1984. timely, when they arrived for a

meeting with the south african ambassador and never left. south africa's iconic president. helped break the country's racial discrimination. he died thursday at age 95. there was a woman coming through here on her bike. she said what's going on? why are all the cameras here. i explained nelson mandela passed away. some folks are in awe, shocked. a lot of them remember him. i saw him in oakland, california with my mother when i was a young boy. this is a touching moment for myself. i must say a lot of folks are continuing to che pay tribute to this great man. back to you in the studio. >> thanks so much. our photographer who panned up on the building, you can see the silhouette of the statue. that statue here in washington

at the south african embassy is a replica where mandela was held and released when he was 71 years of age. vincent gray is expressing his condolences and praising the historic achievements of the south african president who died today at the age of 95. >> mayor gray released a statement saying i extend my deepest sympathies to the family of president mandela and the nation of south africa. he says his diplomacy and commitment to nonviolent resist tense laid the foundation for leaders worldwide. his profound legacy will inspire all who fight for human rights and peace around the world. those are the words and reaction of vincent gray to the news of the passing of nelson mandela. >> we want to share the comments of president obama.

he now belongs to the ages. let's hear again from president obama. >> achieved more than could be expected of any man. today he's gone home. we have lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings any of us will share time with on this earth. >> all right. there you have it. president obama with those remarks, moments ago sharing his personal story. we want to get some reflections and reaction from patrick, former president of howard university. he's on the phone with us now. can you hear us? >> caller: yes, i can. >> your thoughts on this, sad, truly sad day this afternoon. >> caller: it's a very sad day for all of us around the world. so much will be said and has

been said already about the credible change that mr. mandela brought about in south africa. my visit with him in '96, i had the privilege of spending nearly an hour with him in his office in south africa. the thing that struck me the most about mr. mandela, when you are in the presence of someone viewed by his countrymen as george washington, abraham lincoln and martin luther king it's intimidating. the thing that struck me is how open and engaging and humorous he was. we had a great time talking and laughing. i said to myself, an icon should not be this happy and laughing. you know, i expected a stone figure and i found a very -- >> doctor, can you reflect on

how nelson mandela impacted those that you managed during your tenure at universities like howard? >> caller: sure. i was president of howard for 13 years. during that time, prior to my becoming president, mr. mandela received an honorary degree from howard. it was the first honorary degree he received from an american university. we are proud of that. mr. mandela, when i visited with him reminded me of his visit to washington and howard. he asked a question whether or not the students, how many students and what lessons were they learning? i think what he meant is what lessons are they learning regarding peace and fighting against justice. i think he viewed himself not simply as a leader. he certainly was. but i think fundamentally as a teacher, he realize zed he was an example.

he realized people were watching him and looking at him and looking up to him and expecting great things of him. he really tried to teach through example, through humanity and humor and learned discourse. you know, what can you say about a giant. >> all right. >> doctor, i'm curious, you mentioned you had seen him back in '96. are we to draw profound parallels between our civil rights movement and what they experienced in south africa years ago. >> caller: of course, there's a common thread that is overlooked. gandy went to india. he began movements to south africa.

dr. king oftentimes cited ghandi as his exemplary so did mandela. when you speak of the american movement and south africa, there's a common theme. so, there is an intellectual, spiritual relationship. clearly, the movement in south africa was one in which all of the resources of the state were placed against mr. mandela and his movement. in this country, we had our own challenges, of course, coming out of slavery. our civil war, there were places of refuge. during the civil war, there were

places of refuge in this country, there were none in south africa. many had to flee and go elsewhere. mr. mandela chose not to flee and go elsewhere. he spent 27 years in prison. >> interestingly, too, martin luther king made an impact while living, but one could argue he's made a greater impact since he has been gone. nelson mandela made the impact while he was still with us. >> caller: near where i live here in southwest washington, it's been king memorial. every day, you are reminded of dr. king's presence and his impact. i think with mr. mandela, his c fact we were blessed to have him with us for 95 years. dr. king we lost as a man.

yes, i think you are correct, mr. mandela, his influence in his own life has grown. you are correct. very astute observation. >> we want to thank you for sharing your insights and memories with us. wonderful to talk with you again on this very sad occasion. >> thank you so much. >> caller: thank you both. >> as we watch a live picture here again in johannesburg outside the mandela home, our coverage continues

back now, this is a live image of the statue of nelson mandela, outside the embassy in northwest washington. mandela, dead today at the age of 95. his death announced by south african president, jacob zuma. reaction is pouring in from around the world and here at home, jimmy carter just released this statement about mandela's death. we are deeply saddened by the death of nelson mandela.

the people of south africa lost a great leader. i was gratified to work with him through the resolution of conflicts and advance social justice and human rights. we extend our heart felt condolences to his family during this difficult time. the words of former president, jimmy carter. >> on massachusetts avenue, you can see the barbed wire fences, the construction going on around the south african embassy. he had fences around him for 27 years and prison walls as well. those years quiet, suffering, just one of the many pressures on south africa's government. public discussion of mandela was illegal, allowed very few prisoners during that time. as we look at the live pictures in johannesburg, crowds are gathering live. scott macfarlane has more reaction still coming in.

scott? >> spent a lot of time covering capitol hill. they were honoring nelson mandela as the health failed. honoring his 95th birthday, july 18th. there was legislation introduced by civil rights leader, john lewis acknowledging, u.s. acknowledgement of mandela international day and senators that showed up when they screamed mandela long walk to freedom, a documentary. congress was, indeed, ratcheting up the honors of mandela as his health failed. at the live desk, i'm scott macfarlane. >> thank you. we are joined by former senator, chris dodd of connecticut. you neuman della personally. what are your thoughts on his passing this evening? >> i met him a number of times. i don't want to sound like it

was more intimate than it was. i was on the senate foreign relations committee years ago when we took strong positions and opposition to south africa along with senator kennedy and many others who led the fight of john lewis and the house. there were so many people involved. the united states almost stood away with the boycott until policies changed. many thoughts come to mind in a moment like this. one thing occurred to me. i have been asked over the years. in the past, i spoke at every high school in connecticut in 30 years i spent representing the state. in those meetings, someone would ask the following question. can one person make a difference? it's not limited to younger people asking that question. oftentimes they wonder if they can make a difference in their life. i would cite three or four people. i talk about kennedy shriver. he made a huge difference in the

lives of the mentally retarded and disabled. mother teresa her advocate over the world. i would always mention, if i only mentioned one person, i would mention nelson mandela. if he was willing to honor one sentence, advocating his ambition for his country and for the abolition of racism in his country, could have walked out a free man instead of 25 years behind bars in prison. because of his deep conviction and because of his moral certainty, he stayed and made a difference in south africa and all over the world. you heard the president today. your children, your grandchildren, can you make a difference, you can give one

word answer, the answer is mandela. >> senator dodd, you are now the chief executive officer of the motion picture. you have a feature film coming out. >> it's doing well. again, didn't plan on this. in 95 years, president mandela had a rich life, obviously and made the difference i talked about. films, in a way, not only are entertaining, but throughout the years, they made d people's vi motivating people. go back in the years of a gentleman's agreement where it was tackled as an issue. you think about "philadelphia" tom hanks and people's views on hiv and aids changed because of that film. this movie, i think will bring to life for a generation that does not remember. many not alive when the

headlines every day spoke of nelson mandela's efforts. this movie provides for a new generation a story. there's nothing that we do as well in movies as tell great stories. in this case, a true story of one person making that difference. the timing, not intended to be this way, we prefer to have him with us. i'd like to believe that movie is going to educate the next generation about the importance of this man. maybe never get a chance to make the difference with nelson mandela, but you can make a difference just in your street, your school, maybe in your community somewhere, maybe in your organization. every single one of us have an opportunity to make a difference. that's what mandela taught us. >> he certainly did. chris dodd, thank you for joining us. >> thank you both. >> thank you, senator. our coverage will continue on the passing of nelson mandela in

south africa. we'll be right back on

back to live pictures in

johannesburg, singing outside of nelson mandela's home where he passed away this afternoon. that announcement coming an hour and 20 minutes ago. president obama commenting about a half hour ago saying he personally drew inspiration from his life, studied his words. he protested it. a man who took history in his hands. d.c. mayor vincent gray extended his deepest sympathies saying mandela's diplomacy and dedication to justice and reconciliation laid the foundation for leaders around the world. >> we want to remind you, "nightly news" is having a special hour long edition looking back on the life of the iconic leader of south africa. he took the nation into freedom, truly. passed away this afternoon after a lengthy illness.

friends and family at his bedside. mandela was 93 and ailing for many years. we reported repeatedly about his hospitalizations and struggles with problems there this summer and in recent weeks. there's been a vigil around the country in south africa of friends and supporters and family who were praying for him and hoping he could pull through this illness but he is succumbed at the age of 95. >> what a connection he had to our nation's capitol, too, here in washington as we heard from a former president of howard university. he received his first american college honorary degree here at howard university. we have been showing you the statue of him, a replica, 10 foot tall outside the african embassy. crowds are gathering there, too. we heard from shomari stone and

will be checking in with him in a bit as well. >> president obama learned of nelson mandela's passing during a national security meeting this afternoon around 4:15. that meeting taking place in the oval office. >> he called him influential and profoundly good and says he belongs to the ages. >> again, nelson mandela warned now while the world is learning of his death. dead at the age of 95. >> we have heard from president obama as we have been mentioning president carter and george w. bush and will have more reaction on news 4 at 6:00. meanwhile, we have big weather happening in our world close to home. >> veronica johnson has the latest from the storm center. >> i'm tracking it all. we have a couple things that we are going to have to warry about. the temperatures this time tomorrow, you are going to be uncomfortable. the mercury is going to drop. the other thing we are dealing with, folks, a lot of rain

moving in. winter type weather for the weekend. that weather, i know, it's early. it includes snow that could accumulate and includes ice that could accumulate. we are looking at freezing rain and sleet around the area. temperatures right now, they are comfortable. mid-60s, most locations. with high that is topped out around 66 and 67 degrees in college park, rockville, maryland, gaithersburg, 65-66. it's more like late october type conditions. it's still going to be mild early tomorrow morning. likely to be able to get by. leave the house with a light jacket tomorrow. the warmest time of the day, in fact, will be early on. then we have showers to deal with, too, for the morning rush. it's going to be nasty and need the umbrella, not just for the morning but throughout the entire day. let me show you with the future weather here. i have really zoomed in and you can see the cities here. this is 6:00 a.m. in frederick, maryland.

a nasty go. you might want to leave the house early. leesburg, you are wet with rain. watch what happens for the evening hours. we get the moderate and heavy rain. saturday we are dry but it will get cold. the second half of the weekend is when the other nasty weather moves in. we have one front that moves in. we have area of low pressure with the system off the coast that will start delivering this. it's snow around the area. it starts around 9:00, 10:00 a.m. and makes its way from west to east. this is 2:30 on sunday. if it starts at 10:00 a.m. and snowing at 2:00, 3:00, we could be looking at accumulating snow and with cold conditions coming in on saturday, road temperatures will be low and road surfaces compromised especially bridges and overpasses down to the south. fredericksburg, leonardstown, annapolis, you could be seeing the freezing rain. then i think with temperatures warming a bit as we go into sunday night and monday, that's

when i think we could be looking at icy conditions for the morning rush. the biggest time period we have to worry about is right in here from sunday to monday. right now, we have 100% chance posted for sunday. it's going to be cold and nasty. as we make our way from snow to ice, that means difficult travel. this is one sizable system. it's not just going to be impacting this area but up into pennsylvania and areas like massachusetts, connecticut to the south through virginia and again, a system that delivers a lot of power outages with that ice, even toward texas. back to you guys. we start with reaction from around the world and here in the district as word spreads about the death of former south african president, nelson mandela. about 4:45, jay come zuma said we lost our greatest son.

he died peacefully at the age of 95. crowds are gathering outside his home in johannesburg. he's been fighting illness for a year or longer. he became south africa's first black president. president obama spoke to the nation a short time ago. >> we have lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings we will share time with on this earth. he no longer belongs to us, he belongs to the ages. >> what made nelson mandela great was precisely what made him human. we saw in him what we seek. >> good evening from washington. in its own way is in a state of mourning tonight. nelson mandela was